Lehigh Valley Dog Training

TLDR: Gwenevere Marx utilizes outdated, aggressive training methods to "train" dogs. She charges strictly for her consultation sessions and has stated in email that her group training classes are free to attend. If you truly care about the wellbeing of your dog, find a proper trainer — not someone who charges almost a grand for a consultation service and a prong collar. On the 13th of June, 2025, my fiancé and I took my 22-month-old puppy, Emmie, to Gwenevere Marx of Lehigh Valley Dog Training to assist in potential dog-to-dog aggression. Previous to the in-person meeting, we were told that there would be a consultation between Emmie and Gwenevere's three dogs, who would tell which classes Emmie would need to be placed in. We were also told that the total cost covers both the consultation and the weekly trainings. During the consultation, Gwenevere asked us questions about Emmie and what our expectations were for the trainings. When she brought her dogs out shortly thereafter, she quickly assessed that Emmie has dog-to-dog aggression — this was nothing we did not already know. It was at this point that Gwenevere brought out a small prong collar and demonstrated how it works, explaining that it is no more harmful to the dog than a mother's nipping of the nape. However, when Gwenevere placed the collar around Emmie's neck, and then demonstrated the "proper" use of it, my fiancé and I were appalled. The second that Emmie began to growl at Gwenevere's dog, Gwenevere snapped the prong collar to the point that Emmie was (barely) on her hind legs, crying out in visible pain and attempting to get to us for safety. She was clearly confused, scared, and — most importantly — in pain, despite the promise made that the prong collar does not hurt the dog. (Upon further research, this is factually incorrect, and there is a reason these collars are banned in many other countries, where positive reinforcement training is more popular.) Despite this, my fiancé and I entertained the rest of the session, to see if, perhaps, Emmie's behavior would be changed as Gwenevere said it would. And her behavior did change — but not for the better. Emmie went from being very lovable, curious, and energetic to being frightened by the mere presence of another dog. Gwenevere reassured us — both in this consultation and in future emails — that this was the goal. However, this is not at all how a dog should act. A dog should not suddenly be terrified of other dogs, especially an 8-week-old puppy, as evidenced when we introduced Emmie to my parent's new dog. Upon reflection of the consultation, my fiancé and I determined that we did not want to go through with these training services any longer. I sent Gwenevere an email on Sunday, June 15, explaining my reasoning and requesting a refund of the $930 she charged us. The response I received from Gwenevere is that the fear Emmie exhibits is the goal, that it means Emmie is "fixed," and that Emmie does not even need the training sessions (this is contradictory to her telling us how important the sessions are while we were there and that we need to be dedicated to them). Gwenevere refused my fiancé and I even a partial refund of the money spent, and she has not responded to any of the other emails I have sent her since then. Do not make the same mistake that I did. Gwenevere Marx claims to be a dog trainer, but she is not. She utilizes outdated and aggressive "training" methods that have not been practiced by respectable trainers since the 1950s. She charges an outrageous amount of money for a consultation session, and she weaves fabricated stories regarding expectations for her training classes (which you apparently will not need after she miraculously fixes your dog in the consultation). Gwenevere, if you are reading this, I am still waiting on a refund. You have caused my young puppy trauma that I am still working to overcome with her. This is not right, in any way, shape, or form.

Before meeting Gwen, we could not walk Blu without him walking us, he was rambunctious, barking at everything and not getting along with other dogs as we would like him. We truly did not know what to do or how to address his behavior. From the first session, Gwen was kind, courteous, and assured us that we could tackle this together. Since our sessions with Gwen, Blu is acting like a totally different dog! Instead of him walking us, we can finally go on a walk where he stays by our side and rarely acts out on his surroundings. We also can allow visitors to come in our house without him jumping around like a maniac. Although we are still in the beginning stages, we are excited about his turn around already and cannot wait for the next sessions to come. Blu can hardly wait to meet his new friends!

We contacted Lehigh Valley Dog Training when Maya, our sweet two year old dog suddenly exhibited anxiety and reacted negatively towards other dogs. Gwenevere answered all of our questions at our first session. She and her wonderful dogs were able to pinpoint and resolve Maya’s issues. The Sunday group training and socialization classes Gwenevere and her team of trainers provide is an event we look forward to weekly. Maya recently completed service dog training and we are proud of the confident, happy, and social dog she has become. We highly recommend Gwen to anyone who wants a well mannered and happy dog

Getting someone to help my fiancé and I with our puppy’s excessive play biting at the time was truly incredible. Gwen and her team have helped our dog Cash mature so much and rather fast too. We had our individual session back in the summer and the difference before and after the session was definitely noticeable. He now understands more commands and is appropriately playing with and biting his correct chew toys. Cash always looks forward to the Sunday classes when we can make it! We cannot thank Gwen and her team enough for all they have and will do for Cash.

I adopted a nine month old female lab/chow mix last week. Within 24 hours I felt like I made the worst mistake of the life. She started jumping on me trying to bite and nip. She started destroying every toy, bed and 2 leashes a harness and the seat belt harness in the car and that was in the first 48 hours! I was quickly losing the upper hand. I contacted Lehigh Valley Dog Training and set up an evaluation with Gwen and Amber. Well, what looked to be a hopeless situation turned positive after a lengthy session! For the last 2 days, my dog has been a dream pet. Walks on her leash like a lady with few mistakes, we go over her commands so she doesn’t forget and best of all, is not tearing up the house! Thank you to Gwen and Amber!! Your responsiveness and willingness to be available is beyond what I could have hoped for. I’ll be coming to the lessons on Sunday for sure! Shayna and I are blessed we found you!